Haslam 'likely' to sign parking lot guns bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A spokesman says Republican Gov. Bill Haslam is "likely" to sign into law a bill to allow the state's nearly 400,000 handgun carry permit holders to store firearms in their cars no matter where they are parked.

The House on Thursday passed the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Jeremy Faison of Cosby on a 72-22 vote.

Before the vote, Speaker Beth Harwell assured Republican colleagues that the measure is endorsed by the National Rifle Association and that members of the business community are "holding their noses" about its passage despite concerns about security and property rights.

The Senate approved its version of the bill 28-5 in early February.
Haslam had previously raised concerns about the proposal because of property rights questions and greater access to guns on campus.

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By ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The House has voted to send to the governor's desk a bill to allow the state's nearly 400,000 handgun carry permit holders to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked.

The chamber voted 72-22 to pass the measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Jeremy Faison of Cosby after rejecting a series of Democratic proposals to maintain business owners' rights to ban weapons on their property and to create exceptions for schools and colleges.

House Speaker Beth Harwell told Republican colleagues before the vote that members of the business community are "holding their nose" over property rights concerns about the measure.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has raised concerns about the measure in the past, but has not said whether he will sign the bill into law.